Primark website crashes in the UK as it launches click and collect

Customers complain they cannot access site amid trial in north-west of England, Yorkshire and Wales

Many shoppers trying to use the new “click and collect” service on its first day found they could not place an order.

The website for Primark’s long-awaited online ordering service being trialled in the UK has crashed shortly after going live as it faced bigger than expected demand.

After years of resisting internet shopping, the fast fashion retailer launched the trial service today for customers to pay for kids’ clothing, toys and nursery goods that they can then pick up at 25 stores across the north-west of England, Yorkshire and Wales.